Athyrium filix-femina
Photographs belong to the photographers who allow use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.
Southern Lady Fern
Dryopteridaceae
Plant Specifics
| Form: | Fern | |
| Size: | 2.5-3.5 ft tall by 2-3 ft wide | |
| Life Span: | Long-lived perennial | |
| Flower Color: | NA | |
| Fruit Color: | NA | |
| Phenology: | Winter dormant | |
| Noted for: | Interesting foliage |
Landscaping
| Recommended Uses: | Ground cover. This is a clump-forming fern (all fronds arise from a central point) making it a good focal point in a shade garden. Can also be used as a border plant. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Propagation: | Division (spring is said to be best). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Availability: | FNPS plant sales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Light: | Shade | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: |
always floodedextremely dry |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Usually moist, occasional inundation) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: | Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Usually moist, occasional inundation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Water Flooding Tolerance: | Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Spray/ Salty Soil Tolerance: | Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soil or other substrate: | Sand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soil pH: | Acidic to neutral | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ecology
| Wildlife: |
One resource (Misssouri Botantical Garden) indicates that it tolerates rabbits. | |
| Insects: | ||
| Native Habitats: | Moist hammocks, swamps, shady bluffs. |
Distribution and Planting Zones
Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones
Suitable to grow in:
8A
USDA zones are based on minimum winter temperatures
Comments
| Ethnobotany: | Fronds and rhizomes are said to be poisonous but potentially edible after cooking (please don't eat based on this information!) | |
| General Comments: | Fronds are lacy and delicate in appearance. |